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NuReDrain fights algae in surface water

More and more reservoirs are struggling with algal bloom as a result of climate change. The Interreg project NuReDrain is examining whether special filtration materials can provide relief. 

NuReDrain is an Interreg project involving ten partners from Germany, Denmark and Belgium. Together, they are researching the options provided by special filtration materials to fight algal bloom. At its De Blankaart water production centre, De Watergroep is examining whether iron and aluminium sludge pellets can be used to remove phosphates from drinking water.

introductie foto NuReDrain fights algae in surface water

Circular economy

“Iron and aluminium sludge are two waste products of the drinking water production process. Working with VITO, we decided to use this sludge to develop pellets that can adsorb phosphates. The results of this experiment were so promising that we decided to apply for a patent”, De Watergroep’s Production and Storage Director Paul Suenens says. “In 2019, we constructed a specific test installation to test the material on a small scale. The results of these tests are promising, but a few sticking points remain. One example is that loose pellets can cause blockages in an installation. It will probably be too difficult to use this filter material in drinking water production, but the technology does have plenty of potential applications in agricultural areas. By placing pellets next to a field, for example, farmers can prevent phosphates from fertiliser from entering a waterway. The NuReDrain project is a great example of a productive collaboration between De Watergroep and external partners.”

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